Competitors’ Corner: June 2025

Highlights from the June 2025 issue include an inside look at NRA America’s Rifle Challenge, our Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite review and more.

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posted on June 2, 2025
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Compcorner June2025 1
On the cover: Amid spent brass and spring wind, NRA General Operations Executive Director Josh Savani leads by example, tackling a challenging Level 2 ARC stage at Camp Atterbury in April.
Cover photo by John Parker

In April, the NRA conducted an America’s Rifle Challenge competition at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, that welcomed shooters of all skill levels to compete with their AR-platform rifles in a fun, safe and structured environment. Designed to be beginner-friendly but still appealing to seasoned competitors, the match offered everything from close-range drills to longer, more complex engagements. Featuring Stock, Limited and Open divisions, the ARC program allows participants to compete with guns and gear they already own. With ARC competition, NRA aims to build confidence, promote safe firearm handling and strengthen the shooting sports community. Don’t miss our inside look at NRA America’s Rifle Challenge and match results from Camp Atterbury.

In Product Focus, Field Editor Chris Christian reviews the new Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite handgun chambered in .22 Long Rifle, which he describes as an “excellent performer and a worthy edition to the Ruger rimfire pistol legacy.” This latest Mark IV variant is not only an accurate rimfire handgun, but also features a one-button take down system for simplified maintenance. Read his review of the new Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite in Product Focus.

Mount Aloysius Rifle Team
In January 2024, Mount Aloysius became the only college in Pennsylvania to field an NCAA rifle team. Earlier this year, the Mount Aloysius Rifle Team won the 2025 MAC Championship title.

 

The Mount Aloysius College rifle team generated significant buzz earlier this year after winning the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference title in its first season as a collegiate rifle program. An NCAA Division III school, Mount Aloysius is currently the only college in Pennsylvania that fields an NCAA rifle team. Be sure to check out author Maggie Kelch’s article about the Mount Aloysius rifle team’s rapid ascendancy in the collegiate rifle competition ranks.

Field Editor Art Merrill highlights a special offer for clubs from CMP encouraging youth marksmanship: discounted Savage Arms target rifles chambered in .22 Long Rifle. These rifles—well-equipped with target sights, adjustable triggers and synthetic stocks—are ideal for junior shooters but suitable for adults as well. If you’re interested in rifles that will excel in both prone and three-position shooting that deliver impressive accuracy with match-grade ammo, take a look at Merrill’s article.

This month, Merrill also shares a pair of upgrades from Tandemkross that enhance the Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle for competition or casual plinking. The Rim/Edge Eagle Eye M-Lok fiber-optic sights offer bright aiming points and adjustability, while the Doublekross dual magazine allows for rapid reloading. Practical and user-friendly, both upgrades are solid choices for improving performance and convenience on the range. If you’re a Ruger 10/22 owner, take a look at Merrill’s upgrade guide.

John Parker
Editor-in-Chief, Shooting Sports USA

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